The Giving for Life Donor Recognition Program recognizes those who make a life-saving impact in our community. From giving blood or signing the marrow, organ and tissue registry, to volunteering, as a member of Giving for Life you make a real and meaningful difference to countless patients. Learn More

BloodCenter of Wisconsin is a non-profit organization. Volunteers play an important role in patient care by providing a priceless link between BloodCenter of Wisconsin and those who donate the gift of life to patients in the community. You, too, can provide an invaluable community service by giving of your time, talent and contributions as a volunteer. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please call 414-937-6364.

Volunteering at BloodCenter can take several different forms, but here are some general requirements:

Be at least 17 years old

Have strong customer service skills

Be mature, reliable and dependable

Be willing to make a commitment to follow the policies and procedures of the Volunteer Services Department

Where can I volunteer?

Some of the volunteer activities take place within the donor centers which are located around the state. Other volunteer opportunities are at our main office, which is in downtown Milwaukee. Others take place at local community and smaller mobile drives, health fairs and community organizations.

In what areas can I volunteer?

Please note that each volunteer role has a unique set of responsibilities and requirements. You can review the selections below and see what might be right for you.

When you work in the café, you’ll monitor donors for post-donation reactions while serving refreshments. During all your duties, you’ll be expected to maintain exceptional customer service with donors and staff.

Requirements

Some lifting (max of 15 lbs.)

Visual acuity to be able to read instructions and observe donors for post-donation reactions

Manual dexterity in handling and pouring liquids

Able to sit/stand for extended periods of time

Locations

Café attendants are needed in the following communities. Click on a donation center to view the location.

Staffing a display table and answering questions about organ and tissue donation at various community events. Volunteers are scheduled for three (3) to four (4) hour shifts To prepare you, we require that you attend special training sessions.

Responsibilities

Comfortable with engaging people in conversation in order to answer questions and provide education on the topic of organ, tissue and eye donation.

People with blood related illnesses who need a marrow/stem cell transplant

People who are desperately waiting for an organ to survive

Volunteers are an invaluable gift to us. They make possible the life-saving work of the BloodCenter of Wisconsin. As a BloodCenter of Wisconsin volunteer, you play a vital role in helping us continue our mission of being an unparalleled industry leader that provides an unprecedented level of customer service.

Threads of Compassion is a volunteer group that knits or crochets comfort shawls for future organ and tissue donor families through the Wisconsin Donor Network and Wisconsin Tissue Bank.

In late August of 2005, Threads of Compassion was organized by a donor mother who wanted to give comfort shawls to future donor families. She and other volunteers with Threads of Compassion knit and crochet good thoughts, healing, hope and love into every shawl they make.

Wisconsin Donor Network and Wisconsin Tissue Bank offer the comfort shawls to potential organ and tissue donor families at the time of their loved one’s passing whether they consent to donation or not. It is hoped that this small gift of compassion will bring these families comfort in their time of sorrow and transition.

Your donation of time and talent to Threads of Compassion are greatly appreciated. It’s a gratifying experience to both those who create and receive the shawls.

If you don’t knit or crochet, you can contribute in other ways such as: